Delhi Airport Flight Operations Stabilize After Fog Chaos; Will Delays Return?

Commercial flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) have returned to normal following a morning of dense winter fog. The airport issued a passenger advisory at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, confirming improved visibility. This positive change follows significant flight delays and cancellations experienced earlier due to the low visibility conditions.

Low Visibility Procedures and Operational Status

The improved weather allowed the airport to move away from the most restrictive operating conditions. Earlier, the airport had activated its specialized CAT III-B procedures to manage the dense fog.

• CAT III-B is an advanced Instrument Landing System (ILS) capability.
• It allows equipped aircraft to land with a Runway Visual Range (RVR) as low as 50 to 175 meters.
• Despite this technology, operations remain slower, leading to an operational backlog and delays.

On the previous day, the dense fog caused widespread travel chaos. Reports indicated that 118 flights were cancelled and 16 were diverted at the Delhi airport as visibility dropped sharply.

Airline and Regulatory Response

Major carriers like IndiGo and Air India had issued airline passenger advisory warnings. These advisories cautioned travelers about potential schedule changes due to the fluctuating visibility. Airlines emphasized that on-ground teams were prioritizing safety and compliance with visibility requirements. Passengers were strongly advised to check their flight status directly with their respective airlines before heading to the terminal.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has officially designated a recurring DGCA fog window for the winter season. This window, spanning from December 10, 2025, to February 10, 2026, acknowledges the seasonal nature of these winter fog disruptions.

The Impact of Fog and Air Quality

While flight operations have stabilized, the region faces dual environmental challenges. The same meteorological conditions that create the fog also trap pollutants. The city's air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 388 on Tuesday morning, placing it in the “very poor” category.

This recurring fog season highlights the critical role of advanced infrastructure. Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has equipped three of its four runways with CAT III ILS to enhance resilience.

Stakeholders across the aviation sector must maintain high operational readiness. The seasonal fog demands constant vigilance from Air Traffic Control (ATC), airlines, and airport management. For more updates on commercial aviation news, visit flying.flights.